The Rolling Stones post video message thanking fans for successful year

The Rolling Stones have thanked fans for their support during yet another busy year for rock and roll’s greatest survivors.

The band’s ’14 On Fire’ tour, which continued a return to the live scene which started towards the end of 2012 in celebration of their 50th anniversary, has taken them to 19 countries for performances to a total of 1,159,882 people according to a video message which can be seen below.

2014 has had its downs too though for the Stones; touring was postponed back in March after the sudden death of Mick Jagger‘s girlfriend L’Wren Scott, while their long-term collaborator Bobby Keys also passed away this year.

In paying tribute to a man whose inimitable saxophone playing was a core part of the sound of the Stones during their late sixties/early seventies creative heyday, the band said in a statement:

“The Rolling Stones are devastated by the loss of their very dear friend and legendary saxophone player, Bobby Keys. Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. He will be greatly missed.”